jdhmnovel Chapter 351 Plotting an Assassination
Chapter 351 Plotting an Assassination
Chapter 351: Plotting an Assassination
Li Cunxu frowned slightly, then stood up:
"I apologize, everyone. I have important matters to attend to and must take my leave for now."
Seeing this, Qiu Ziyue quickly asked:
"Is there some urgent matter? Do you need me to come along?"
Li Cunxu shook his head: "It's nothing, just a small matter, no need to trouble the Princess."
After saying that, he left in a hurry.
After Li Cunxu left, the atmosphere became somewhat subdued. Shulu Mingyao took the initiative to suggest:
"Since the Prince of Jin has temporarily left his seat, why don't we continue our conversation about topics other than singing and dancing?"
I've heard that the Princess Consort of Jin is also skilled in singing. Would she be so kind as to demonstrate her voice on the spot?
Qiu Ziyue hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded:
"Since the princess is so kind as to refuse, then I shall respectfully accept her invitation."
She cleared her throat and chose a melodious and gentle tune.
The singing was like the song of a nightingale, touching people's hearts and captivating everyone.
When the music ended, Yelü Zhigu couldn't help but applaud:
"The princess is not only an outstanding dancer, but also has a captivating singing voice; she is truly exceptional in both!"
Qiu Ziyue smiled modestly:
"Thank you for the compliment. Actually, everyone has their own strengths. I just like some of them."
Shulu Mingyao suddenly said seriously:
"With such talent as the princess, it's no wonder that the Prince of Jin is so devoted to you."
Having met you today, I understand even more why the Prince of Jin rejected our marriage proposal.
Upon hearing this, Qiu Ziyue was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said:
"Your Highness flatters me. I am merely the Prince of Jin's virtuous wife."
As the sun set, the competition gradually came to an end.
Shulü Minglie stood up and bowed deeply to Qiu Ziyue:
"It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to see the Princess Consort of Jin today."
It is hoped that in the future, the two ethnic groups can turn hostility into friendship and work together for progress.
Qiu Ziyue bowed slightly:
Hopefully.
After exchanging farewells, Shulü Minglie, Yelü Zhigu, and Shulü Mingyao returned to their residence in the Prince of Jin's mansion.
Shulu Mingyao sat in the chair, arms crossed, feeling indignant:
"Hmph! The Princess Consort of Jin's talents are nothing special. It's infuriating."
"If she hadn't interfered, why would General Qi have refused me?"
Shulü Minglie sighed and slowly said:
"Sister, don't let your emotions cloud your judgment. The Princess Consort of Jin is no ordinary woman. Our spies in the Prince of Jin's residence have spread rumors..."
Her jade flute could scatter thousands of troops, and her sword dance was a true inheritance from Gongsun Da Niang.
What you saw in the song and dance today was just the tip of the iceberg.
Yelü Zhigu nodded in agreement:
"Brother is right. Qiu Ziyue may seem gentle and weak, but she is actually quite shrewd."
Given her strength, even if she were willing to yield, it would be out of courtesy, not cowardice.
Moreover, she has Li Cunxu backing her; if we act rashly, we risk failing at the last hurdle.
Shulu Mingyao sneered:
"I really don't understand why General Qi looks down on me."
I really don't know if his wife is that good. Is she even better than the Princess Consort of Jin? ..."
Yelü Zhigu frowned and said:
"Let's not let matters of the heart interfere with our grand plans; we shouldn't dwell on them too much."
The most important thing right now is to complete the task assigned by the Great Khan—to kill Li Cunxu. Since the marriage alliance has failed, we must find another opportunity to strike.
Shulu Mingyao pondered for a moment, a cold glint flashing in her eyes:
"That's right, the most urgent task now is to formulate the next step of the plan."
We can feign an invitation to them to participate in a hunting expedition, where we can ambush elite archers and seize the opportunity to eliminate Li Cunxu.
Shulu Mingyao's eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands, saying:
"Brilliant plan! Once the Prince of Jin is dead, the Central Plains will surely be in chaos. We can then seize the opportunity to capture General Qi alive. Then, let's see how he can resist us!"
Yelü Zhigu, however, reminded him:
"It's best to be cautious. Li Cunxu has many skilled men around him, especially General Qi and General Zhou Dewei."
Their martial arts skills are exceptional; they should not be underestimated. If we expose our group, we might suffer harm instead, which would be a greater loss than gain.
Shulu Minglie nodded and added:
"Therefore, we must act in secrecy and avoid making it public. Furthermore, we must find a way to remove Qiu Ziyue from Li Cunxu's side."
Otherwise, if she were to use her jade flute, our entire plan could be ruined.
Shulu Mingyao gritted her teeth and said:
"Alright, we'll do it your way! But I swear, once all this is over, I'll make Qiu Ziyue pay!"
The three discussed in hushed tones for a long time before finally finalizing their action plan.
As night deepened outside the window, moonlight spilled into the courtyard, casting several eerie shadows.
A storm is brewing, but the people in the Prince of Jin's mansion are completely unaware.
The following morning, the morning light bathed the main hall of the Prince of Jin's mansion, making it resplendent with gold and jade.
Shulu Minglie, Yelü Zhigu, and Shulu Mingyao, dressed in magnificent Khitan attire, slowly entered the hall.
With polite smiles on their faces, they bowed to Li Cunxu and Qiu Ziyue and said:
"The Princess Consort of Jin's song and dance yesterday truly lived up to its reputation; it was a masterpiece!"
Today, we have come to invite Your Majesty and Queen to participate in a hunting activity and experience the joy of the fusion of Central Plains and grassland cultures.
Qiu Ziyue smiled slightly and replied gently:
"Thank you all for your kind invitation, but I have been feeling unwell lately and am unable to accompany you. Please forgive me."
Li Cunxu sat upright in the main seat, his gaze piercing, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable firmness:
"I appreciate your kind intentions, but I am too busy with official duties to participate in the hunt."
Besides, you have already achieved your purpose in coming to my Prince Jin's residence, so I need not keep you any longer."
"Prince Jin, you are truly a straightforward person."
Shulu Mingliedao.
"Welcome to my Prince Jin's residence, to express the sincerity of the Central Plains."
I have prepared some treasures for you to take back, as a token of the hospitality of the Prince of Jin's residence.
As he spoke, he waved his hand, and his servants brought in chests of exquisite treasures from the Central Plains:
Pearls, jade, silk, tea, and several rare antiques.
These gifts shimmered in the sunlight, truly captivating.
Shulu Mingyao suppressed her dissatisfaction and forced a smile:
“The King of Jin is indeed generous and magnanimous. We will certainly hand over these treasures to the Great Khan and convey your greetings.”
"Please give my regards to your Khan. Tell the Khan that I, Li Cunxu, am clear about my gratitude and grievances."
As for the grudges left by our late father, we will settle them on the battlefield;
Li Cunxu nodded slightly, his voice steady and powerful:
"And I am also open to the desire for peaceful coexistence."
It is hoped that the Great Khan will assess the situation carefully and refrain from instigating unnecessary war due to momentary impulsiveness.
Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the hall immediately became heavy.
Shulu Minglie's expression changed slightly, and he whispered to his two companions:
"The King of Jin's words are sharp, and he is clearly on guard. We need to be more cautious."
Yelü Zhigu also nodded in agreement:
"Indeed. It seems our plan needs to be readjusted; we must not reveal our intentions too easily."
Although Shulu Mingyao was unwilling, she dared not lash out rashly and could only grit her teeth and reply:
“What the Prince of Jin said is absolutely right. We will convey it to the Great Khan as truthfully. Thank you for the Prince of Jin’s courteous treatment.”
Li Cunxu stood up and watched the three leave.
After they left, he turned to look at Qiu Ziyue, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes:
"The Khitans are unlikely to give up easily this time. We must be on high alert to prevent any unforeseen circumstances."
Qiu Ziyue gently stroked his arm and said softly:
“Cunxu, don’t worry. With me here, I will never let anyone hurt you.”
Outside the window, the wind was blowing and the clouds were swirling, seemingly foreshadowing an even bigger storm to come.
To be continued in the next chapter!